Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford softball team added to their history books in an odd fashion on Wednesday as they were swept by Penn State-Behrend dropping game one 2-0 and game two 6-0. Despite the game-one loss, starting pitcher Lindsay Steele threw her first career no-hitter, becoming the 4th player to complete the feat since the program joined the NCAA in 1998.
Game 1-
The opening game of the day included Steele's gem and saw the Panther's offense snake-bitten as many run-scoring opportunities resulted in outs on hard-hit balls, directly at a Lion defender.
After Steele made quick work of the Lions in the first with three straight groundouts, the Panthers threatened to take the lead as FAith McLaughlin walked to lead off the game and then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Daytona Wentzel came to the plate next and hit a hard line drive to the right side of the infield, but it was snagged at first base for the second out. The next batter was retired on a foul out to end the frame.
The Lions were able to jump in front in the following frame, stemming from a lead-off free pass. After the walk, the runner quickly stole second base and then moved to third on a wild pitch. She scored a batter later on a ground out to second base. Steele walked another batter but got the next two out on a strikeout and a pop-up to end the inning.
The guests threatened again in the 3rd, as with one out the Panthers committed a pair of errors on one play, allowing the runner to move into scoring position. Following another walk, Steele worked out of the jam, getting the next batter to fly out to center and another to ground into a fielder's choice. The Panthers got the first hit of the game in the bottom half as Hannah Fisher dropped a single into right field. She moved to second on a bunt but was not able to advance any further.
Steele began to dominate in the 4th, retiring 9 of 10 batters, with the only Lion that reached base in the stretch doing so on a Panther error. Trailing 1-0 in the 6th, the Panthers put two runners on base with an infield single and a walk, but a fly ball to deep left center by Marguerite DeFranco was tracked down for the final out.
Penn State-Behrend was able to tack on their second run of the game without the benefit of a hit in the 7th. With one out, Steele put a runner on base with a walk, and then uncorked two wild pitches, allowing the runner to move to third. The next batter hit a chopper to third base that was misplayed for an error, allowing the run to score without an out. Steele then completed her no-hitter in quick fashion as the next Lion hit into a double play to end the inning. The Panthers went down in order in the 7th, ending the game.
Lindsay Steele (1-5) picks up the historic loss, allowing no hits in a complete game effort. She allowed 1 earned run on 4 walks while striking out three. The Panthers tallied three hits of their own in the game, with Faith McLaughlin, Hannah Fisher, and Rachel Przybysz all recording singles.
Game 2-
The second game of the day looked like another pitcher's duel, but the visitors broke away late, ultimately winning 6-0.
Krislyn Clement started the game for the Panthers and made quick work of the Lions in the first. She worked around a two-out walk as she was able to strike out two batters in the inning. Chloe Cordova was able to beat out an infield single in the bottom of the inning but was thrown stealing to end the frame.
Clement retired the side in order in the 2nd, and the Panthers looked to take the lead with a two-out rally. Marguerite DeFranco reached on an error after two quick outs. The next batter, Lexi Najdusak dropped a single into right field but was caught in a rundown trying to take second on the throw, bringing the inning to a close.
Clement continued to be effective, retiring 6 more in a row, keeping the Lions without a hit through 11 innings on the day. Cordova started the 4th with a double down the left field line but was left on second base, unable to advance with Lindsay Steele hitting a hard line drive right to the left fielder for the third out.
The visitors were finally able to break through in the 5th. Scoring 4 runs on 3 walks and their first hit of the day. Clement walked the first two batters of the inning and then saw them move to 2nd and 3rd on a sacrifice bunt. The next batter dropped down another bunt, but the Panthers could not get an out at the plate, allowing the first run to score. After another walk, the Lions added another run on an RBI groundout and then scored two more on a single to left.
The Panthers were set down in order in the bottom of the 5th, and then the Lions tacked on two more in the 6th. The Lions put runners on 2nd and 3rd with a leadoff double, walk and sacrifice bunt. The runs were then able to score without another hit as the first scampered home on a wild pitch and the second came home on a groundout to 2nd base.
The Panthers put a runner on base in each of the final two innings, but could not advance them to 2nd base, bringing the game to an end.
Krislyn Clement (4-7) was saddled with the loss after allowing 6 earned runs in a complete game performance. She scattered 4 hits and struck out 3 batters. Chloe Cordova posted a multi-hit game, finishing 2 for 3 with a double. Lexi Najdusak and Rachel Przybysz also had hits in the game.
The Panthers fall to 7-23 on the season with a 2-6 record in AMCC play. They will look to break their slide over the weekend, as they travel to Pittsburgh to take on LaRoche. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m.
